Prayer meeting to be held for fallen Wentworth police officer

A PRAYER meeting will be held for slain metro police officer, Superintendent Errol Ogle, at the Durban Christian Centre( behind police station) in Wentworth on July 27, at 18:30.

Ogle, 51, of Wentworth was shot and killed after being unexpectedly caught in the middle of a hijacking while travelling on the M7, south of Durban, near the Hans Dettman off-ramp, on July 20.

He sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and died at the scene.

Ogle, served in the metro police for more than two decades.

Neil Axford, a family friend, said another ‘good giant’ in the community was lost.

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“My dear friend was a God-fearing man, whose heart was after Jesus. He was a man that served his country and community with distinction, and loved his entire family whole-heartedly.

“Errol also made sure that the circumstances in growing up in the ‘hood’ would not get him down. When Errol said he wanted to be a pastor, he would make sure to attend bible studies at the Durban Christian Center and he graduated as a pastor. When he said he would become a superintendent in eThekwini metro, he became one,” he said.

Axford said Ogle was also a beacon of hope to many and a role model to the young boys in the community.

“He would tell them that their circumstances does not determine their destiny. His words were, ‘Your attitude will determine your altitude’. Errol also committed and dedicated his time to changing people’s lives for the better, one day at a time. His heart was made of pure love, and he was a true servant of the Lord,” he said.

ALSO READ: Police search for Wentworth cop’s killers

Sibonelo Mchunu, the metro police head and commissioner said that the police will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the perpetrators.

He said the incident has sparked an outcry within the unit and over-emphasised the need for protection of the men in blue.
“We are fighting crime through all fronts. We kindly request the public to work with us by reporting crimes, which will aid in reducing the scourge of these killings,” he said.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said Pinetown police are investigating charges of murder, theft and carjacking.

“It is alleged that a metro police officer, who was on duty, noticed a truck being driven counter-traffic. The officer instructed the truck driver to stop, however, little did he know that a truck hijacking was in progress.

“The suspects who were driving a silver VW Polo had hijacked the truck. One of the suspects shot and killed the officer. Reports indicate the suspects took the officer’s vehicle and firearm and fled the scene. The officer’s vehicle was later recovered on Stapleton Road,” he said.

Ogle will have a state funeral.

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